Managing your money can feel like trying to juggle flaming torches while walking a tightrope—one wrong move, and everything comes crashing down. Sound familiar?
🎙️ Hit play on the podcast below to get the answers you need—fast. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Good news: We’ve got your back. In our latest episode of the Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast, Damon Day and I break down one of the biggest mysteries in personal finance: how to prioritize your debt payments and understand the all-important debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
🎙️ Listen to the podcast above and get the answers you need—fast.
Why Prioritizing Debt Payments Matters
(We cover this in detail in the podcast—hit play above to listen!)
When you’re swimming in bills, it’s easy to panic and just throw money at whatever feels most urgent. But without a solid plan, you might end up wasting money or hurting your financial health. We share why it’s critical to prioritize your debts based on your specific goals. Spoiler alert: It’s not always about paying off the highest interest rate first. Sometimes, tackling the debts with the biggest monthly payments can give you the breathing room you need.
What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) and Why Does It Matter?
Your DTI ratio is like your financial report card—it tells lenders whether you’re living within your means or barely hanging on. Here’s the simple formula:
DTI = Total Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Income
For example, if you pay $2,000 toward debt each month and earn $6,000, your DTI is 33%. Lenders love to see a DTI below 36%. Anything over 50%? That’s a red flag.
The Biggest DTI Mistake People Make
(We explain this in more detail in the podcast—hit play above to get the full scoop!)
Do You Have a Question You'd Like Help With? Contact Debt Coach Damon Day. Click here to reach Damon.
Most people obsess over their credit score when applying for a loan. While that’s important, lenders care even more about your DTI. Why? Because it shows whether you can realistically handle more debt. We talk about front-end DTI (housing costs) and back-end DTI (all debts combined), so you know exactly what lenders are looking at.
Practical Tips for Debt Payment Prioritization
- Identify Your Goals: Are you trying to buy a house, pay off a credit card, or just sleep better at night? Your goals will shape your debt repayment strategy.
- Focus on High-Payment Debts First But With a Twist: Knocking out debts with high monthly payments can quickly improve your DTI.
- Don’t Fear Negotiation: Credit card companies are more flexible than you think. Meanwhile, the IRS? Not so much. We share real-life stories of clients who successfully negotiated better payment terms.
Why Debt Relief Salespeople Get It Wrong
Debt relief companies often tell you to pay off the highest-interest debt first. But they’re not always giving you the best advice—they’re just selling their programs. Damon and I explain why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work and how to spot these sales tactics.
Tune In to the Full Episode
(Consider listening early—this section has key insights you won’t want to miss!)
Want more practical tips and a few laughs along the way? Hit play on the latest Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast episode. We promise to make the complex world of debt management a whole lot easier to understand.
Remember: Your financial future isn’t set in stone. With a little knowledge and some strategic action, you can turn things around.
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